Could 2026 mark the beginning of renewed interest in GNU/Linux and BSD? Is there growing enthusiasm around it?
Could 2026 mark the beginning of renewed interest in GNU/Linux and BSD? Is there growing enthusiasm around it?
Linux continues to grow without needing to surpass Windows, which is acceptable. Increasing adoption is better than chasing huge market share. Mac has lagged behind Linux by more than five years in desktop capabilities. Are you from 2004? Which significant issues do the top desktop platforms face?
If the Linux community aimed to offer a desktop operating system, they should build one that surpasses Windows—not just wait for competition to deteriorate. Microsoft’s approach with Vista, W8, and the TPM requirements set the tone. The Linux group didn’t invest in this effort. You appear to believe Linux has a role as a desktop platform. In reality, it’s suited for servers and IoT devices. Organizations like Google and Microsoft drive development, seeking solutions for their needs. Desktop use remains niche, aimed mainly at developers or specialized users. A small segment finds value in Linux for private or professional contexts, but most everyday tasks—like those of accountants, engineers, or media creators—stay confined to Windows (and occasionally Mac).
Exploring Linux myself (using Debian and MX Linux KDE) reveals a limited appeal beyond tech-savvy users. I often rely on terminal commands instead of clicking buttons, showing how powerful Linux can be when you engage directly.
Linux gaming is still emerging and mostly targets home users. Many newcomers are misled by claims that Linux is superior to Windows, only to discover it’s not always the case—especially for demanding hardware.
Here’s a summary of typical experiences:
- Some forums claim Linux looks and behaves like Windows, misleading newcomers.
- When issues arise (GPU, drivers), users are told to consult forums or try alternative commands.
- Half the troubleshooting steps point to different distributions.
- Some suggest backporting fixes, but this often leads to confusion.
- Beginners are pressured to learn terminal commands rather than using a GUI.
- Those needing specific software are told Windows is better because Linux versions may lack it.
- Users are encouraged to stick with Windows for familiarity and support.
99.9% of those who try new distributions like Zorin 18 end up returning to Windows.
- Scaling, multi-monitor setups, or advanced features often fail on beginner-level distros.
- Hardware limitations mean some users are stuck with outdated specs.
- Linux may work with older gear, but it rarely matches Windows in performance or compatibility.
Privacy is a concern only for those who use the system offline; most don’t need it. AI features are optional and can be disabled. Security relies heavily on user habits rather than OS design. Open-source code is often ignored by non-experts. Corporate influence over Linux Foundation funding is questionable. Ads are frequent, but easily removed.
Linux’s strength lies in flexibility—supporting diverse hardware and workflows—but it struggles with mainstream usability. If you want a seamless experience, stick with Windows for most tasks. Linux shines only when tailored to specific needs. Don’t be swayed by hype; evaluate what your actual requirements are.
It could be that more people are attempting to join but lack access to the necessary tools, which is a major barrier for many users like Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office (offline), and AutoDesk. Additionally, almost every game with Anti-Cheat features poses a challenge. It's important to note that while these programs have legitimate alternatives, none can fully replace them in this context.
For personal use, numerous suitable options exist. However, this isn't where Microsoft generates revenue. For professional applications—such as when you're compensated for using software—there are generally few viable substitutes. Many experts stick with established tools beyond just developers or specialized fields. Microsoft Office is widely adopted across organizations. Meanwhile, accounting, design, engineering programs lack comparable alternatives on Linux. The real income comes within companies, where large-scale subscriptions and support services drive profits. Companies charge for ongoing access and assistance to thousands of users. This isn't just about the initial purchase price; providers like Dell, Canonical, Suse, and Red Hat earn through continuous service contracts. Their desktop operating systems remain unpopular, making it financially impractical for OEMs to offer low-cost licenses. Their business model closely mirrors Microsoft’s, except with far less demand for their consumer products.
I use Ultramarine for my gaming PC, playing Steam and Proton. I enjoy Helldivers 2 and Arc Raiders without any problems.
I had Dolphin crash in multiple distros with the very same issue. when accessing a shared windows folder from another PC. it can "see" the shared folder. I can it open once (and ask my password) and I can access data on that Windows PC. But when I do it another time, Dolphin will crash. Fedora 42, Debian 13, Suse Tumbleweed etc. all had the same issue. Accessing shared folder is an exercise in frustration in Linux anyway... Not sure if this qualifies as DE bug. But the File manager seems to be part of the DE. Admittedly this isn't an issue most users will have. But if you do more than just "browse the web" at home, you can run into all these bugs. In Suse Tumbleweed I had many bugs and errors by just simply opening a folder, or checking for updates. But this may be the nature of Tumbleweed being a rolling distro? Still concerning that they officially release such distro. And i Suse I wasn't able to run an RPM app that worked fin in Fedora. In Suse, the libraries somehow appended a "1"to the name. I just gave up. For Debian I use stable. That only had one error that I manually fixed where it looked for a CD Rom drive that doesn't exist. No big deal, but without someone on a forum, there is no way I could have done a workaround myself. Linux gives you the freedom and tools to resolve problems that you don't have in Windows. Considering my Linux use is just a few hours a week and for minor applications, it initially had more issues than Windows that I use heavily all day long at work and at home desk. If these small issues are what stable distros like Debian and Fedora have, I never want to use Arch
I experienced no problems with Fedora 42 KDE Plasma and connecting to my SMB share on the TrueNAS Scale unit. All platforms—Fedora, Windows, macOS—worked smoothly. The system runs on Debian, so I think the problem lies on the Windows side that’s altering shares unexpectedly. I haven’t attempted a shared folder from Windows to other Windows devices, which might explain why I never encountered this issue. It does occur; the Desktop Environment is part of the KDE Plasma (or XFCE or any other DE environment) ecosystem. In KDE’s context, this includes the Discover app store, Kwrite text editor, Dolphin file manager, Kwin Window Manager, etc.
I discovered a tool called "Smb4K" to reach that Windows directory. I had to input details and save the IP address, then manually open the bookmark whenever I needed to access the shared folder. I was relieved I didn’t have to perform any terminal tricks... it would be great if Discover could handle this automatically. Or at least avoid crashes. I think this might also point to a Windows issue. As a user, this remains an irritating problem to encounter. Here’s what you can expect when transitioning from Windows to a better version: https://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
For broad acceptance it’s essential to have a unified desktop experience where terminal interaction becomes unnecessary in everyday tasks. The current challenge lies in excessive options and inconsistency. Autonomy comes with its own challenges. While I don’t think we need fully validated hardware, a solid set of compatible choices would help. I’m not familiar with Linux support for cutting-edge devices, especially without official backing. It seems unlikely Linux will dominate among advanced users unless it evolves further. What I see is more adoption through Android-based solutions—like Samsung DeX—and similar platforms. That could drive growth in the near future. Beyond gaming, it’s interesting to think about how many people might embrace a phone-like desktop setup with standard peripherals.
You need to clarify what daily tasks involve. If it's mainly web browsing, Chrome OS works fine. But for genuine operating systems, you require more capabilities beyond just opening a browser. I run Debian on my home computer and think it’s sufficient for basic use. The main challenge was that some streaming platforms only work in specific browsers at lower quality. For simple apps, Linux feels less powerful—no matter who's responsible. I also rely on Folder Share to back up from Windows, which was tricky to access from Linux until I found a workaround with Smb4K and saved it as a bookmark. For backing up to a Linux partition, I had to mount it manually (Windows handled that automatically) and input the password, but eventually set it up without using the terminal. Now when I run backups, I have to enable the backup first and then use Free-file-Sync, which is about 90% as smooth as Windows since it adds one extra step. Sharing files at home isn’t unusual, and a server OS like Linux should handle it easily. Setting up Folder Share in Windows can be tricky due to permissions, but it’s done without terminal commands. Handling data sharing is something most users find straightforward. For hardware, older support can be an issue depending on the kernel version, but even with modern systems, many features are missing. Devices like wireless mice and Logitech software require extra costs for advanced functions, which Linux doesn’t offer. I don’t play games, but reading may not capture the newest GPU capabilities your device might have. Paying extra for better hardware often means limited options or missing features. Manufacturers shouldn’t ignore Linux because they’d face the same question every beginner asks: “Which distro/DE/WM/Kernel do you support?” Android and even refrigerators aren’t traditional desktop OSes. I hope this wasn’t meant seriously—Windows still dominates in this regard.